Environmental Science & Engineering (ESE) Courses (2016‑17)

Bi/Ge/ESE 105.
Evolution.
12 units (3-4-5); second term.Prerequisites: Completion of Core Curriculum Courses. Maximum enrollment: 15, by application only.The theory of evolution is arguably biology's greatest idea and serves as the overarching framework for thinking about the diversity and relationships between organisms. This course will present a broad picture of evolution starting with discussions of the insights of the great naturalists, the study of the genetic basis of variation, and an introduction to the key driving forces of evolution. Following these foundations, we will then focus on a number of case studies including the following: evolution of oxygenic photosynthesis, origin of eukaryotes, multicellularity, influence of symbiosis, the emergence of life from the water (i.e. fins to limbs), the return of life to the water (i.e. limbs to fins), diversity following major extinction events, the discovery of Archaea, insights into evolution that have emerged from sequence analysis, and finally human evolution and the impact of humans on evolution (including examples such as antibiotic resistance). A specific focus for considering these issues will be the island biogeography of the Galapagos. Given in alternate years; not offered 2016-17.Instructors: Phillips, Orphan.

ESE/Bi 168.
Microbial Metabolic Diversity.
9 units (3-0-6); second term.Prerequisites: ESE 142, ESE/Bi 166.A course on the metabolic diversity of microorganisms. Basic thermodynamic principles governing energy conservation will be discussed, with emphasis placed on photosynthesis and respiration. Students will be exposed to genetic, genomic, and biochemical techniques that can be used to elucidate the mechanisms of cellular electron transfer underlying these metabolisms. Given in alternate years; offered 2016-17.Instructor: Newman.

Ge/Bi/ESE 246.
Molecular Geobiology Seminar.
6 units (2-0-4); second term; Recommended preparation: ESE/Bi 166.Critical reviews and discussion of classic papers and current research in microbiology and geomicrobiology. As the topics will vary from year to year, it may be taken multiple times.Instructor: Orphan.